In this course you will learn the analytical structure and processes of organisations concerned with developing and/or utilising technology. You will develop skills to apply this knowledge to help decision making for shaping and accomplishing the strategic and operational objectives of the organisation. You will learn the process of planning and strategic technology management, and particularly the integration of technology strategy with business strategy in the context of engineering and technological organisations, the operational aspects of managing technology, including the relationship with production, marketing R&D, and human resources activities and a framework for understanding current technology management issues. You will explore, with an integrated view, the full impact of technology by effectively linking engineering, science, business and management disciplines. You will develop the view through case study analysis and selected readings, new insights leading to more effective decision-making in the practice of integrating technology strategy with business strategy in a technology-based organisation.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes:

1. Needs, Context and Systems1.1 Describe, investigate and analyse complex engineering systems and associated issues (using systems thinking and modelling techniques)1.3 Identify and assess risks (including OH&S) as well as the economic, social and environmental impacts of engineering activities

4. Professional Practice4.1 Initiate, plan, lead or manage engineering activities4.4 Demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership4.5 Communicate in a variety of different ways to collaborate with other people, including accurate listening, reading and comprehension, based on dialogue when appropriate, taking into account the knowledge, expectations, requirements, interests, terminology4.7 Demonstrate orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:

Apply engineering knowledge and skills to integrate technology strategy with business strategy in an organisation from the basic research stage through to transfer to, and implementation in, industry effectively.

Reduce time and effort in development programs, appraise risk and uncertainty more realistically and address discrepancies between operational conventions and strategic goals.

Participate and be able to lead decision making about continued use of existing technology, introduction or development of new technology and commercialisation of technology.

Offer guidance for developing competencies in technology development management in a performance-demanding technical organisation.

Explain the role of a technology audit, technology transfer, and global technology strategies in developing a technology strategy, including in a wider business context.

Learning activities throughout the course include: lectures, tutorials, presentations, group discussions, project work and field examples.

Overview of Learning Resources

All course materials are available from the RMIT Learning Management System (Blackboard). A list of journal articles will be used as reading materials. Copies of these articles can be obtained from RMIT Library journal subscriptions.

Overview of Assessment

X This course has no hurdle requirements.

☐ All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).

Tasks are in one of two schedules: A or B. You will be advised at the start of the teaching period which of the two schedules apply for any given teaching period and location.

Schedule A

Assessment item: Assignment 1 (Group)Weighting of final grade: 30% Related course learning outcomes: 1,3,4,5,6,7Description: Critically review and compare the strategic technology management strategies of the world's two major civil aircraft companies. The technology management strategies need to be both current and future oriented and take in to account relevant trends including technological and environmental issues. Due: End of Week 4

Assessment item: Assignment 2 (Group)Weighting of final grade: 30% Related course learning outcomes: 1,3,4,6Description: Critically analyse the methodologies of one of the world's premier research institutions in relation to its general strategies for technology development and transfer to am identified industry sector. Due: End of Week 8

Assessment item: Assignment 3 (Individual)Weighting of final grade: 40% Related course learning outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Description: Critically analyse and compare the operation of two of the world's major automotive companies insofar as how they integrate technology into their respective organisations. This assignment also includes how these organisations need to identify, assess and integrate both existing as well as new emerging digital technologies into their organisations. Due: End of Week 12